Owner of Sheboygan's Al & Al's Stein Haus named Wisconsin's Restaurateur of the Year

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Owners watch and try and encourage their dogs to leave the starting line at the Weiner dog race at Oktoberfest at Al and Al's Saturday October 6, 2018, in Sheboygan, Wis. Gary C. Klein/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin

Al and Al's Susie Patterson, left, poses with Weiner Dog race winners Laura and Sydnee Pribbernow of Sheboygan, Saturday October 6, 2018, in Sheboygan, Wis. According to Laura Pribbernow her secret was a piece of sausage she had waiting for the dog at the finish line. Gary C. Klein/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin

Al and Al's Susie Patterson, left, poses with Janine Blomberg of Sheboygan with her dog Olivia who was decorated as a holiday sled which won in the dog costume contest at Oktoberfest, Saturday October 6, 2018, in Sheboygan, Wis. Gary C. Klein/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin

Shannon Smies of Sheboygan smiles as she walks her dog to Al and Al's to participate in the Weiner Dog race and show during the firm's Oktoberfest festivities, Saturday October 6, 2018, in Sheboygan, Wis. Gary C. Klein/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin

Susie Patterson, owner of Al & Al’s Stein Haus, was named Restaurateur of the Year by the Wisconsin Restaurant Association (WRA). The award is given annually to a restaurant operator who runs a successful establishment, contributes to their community and demonstrates a commitment to WRA.

The award was a surprise for Patterson who received it at WRA's annual awards gala, held at the Marcus Center for the Performing Arts in Milwaukee.

Susie Patterson was named Restaurateur of the Year by the Wisconsin Restaurant Association on March 12, 2019.(Photo: Courtesy of the Wisconsin Restaurant Association)

According to a press release from WRA, Patterson is the second-generation owner of Al & Al's Stein Haus. The restaurant is named after her father, Alfons Lessel, and uncle, Alois Hoffmann, who opened the Sheboygan staple alongside their wives, Dorothy and Maria, in 1961.

Al & Al’s is known for its authentic German food, as well as all-day breakfast, broaster chicken, Friday fish frys and Sunday brunches. The restaurant has also hosted Oktoberfest festivities for more than 10 years.

In addition to owning Al & Al's, Patterson has been an active member of WRA. In 2017, she served as chair of the association's state board of directors and led its CEO search committee.

Locally, she has supported RCS Empowers, Inc., an organization that aims to empower people with special needs.

Al & Al's Stein Haus is located at 1502 South 12th Street in Sheboygan.